Bad River, other tribes speak against mining bill

The chairman of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa promises an "all-out effort" to fight a planned iron ore mine just north of its reservation.

Bad River chairman Mike Wiggins Jr. joined with leaders from other tribes at a Thursday news conference to once again speak out against the mine as the state Assembly debated it one floor down in the Capitol.

Wiggins says tribal members "stand ready to fight and resist this effort to the bitter end until the mining company goes away."

Republicans support the proposal to ease the state's regulation process because they say a mine in the Penokee Hills near Lake Superior will create jobs and help the economy.

Wiggins promises "active resistance" that includes filing lawsuits.

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